Top Reasons to Start Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy During Pregnancy
Many people wait until after giving birth to consider pelvic floor therapy — but your body deserves attention before delivery. In today’s healthcare system, a “wait and see” approach is common, yet many symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction can be prevented or eased earlier with proactive care.
Pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) isn’t just about preparing for labor — it’s about supporting your body through every stage of pregnancy, improving comfort, and setting the stage for smoother recovery after birth.
While no therapy can guarantee a particular birth outcome, research consistently shows that prenatal pelvic floor therapy helps reduce symptoms, enhance function, and build confidence for labor and postpartum life.
5 Key Benefits of Prenatal Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
1. Support a smoother delivery and reduce risk of tearing
A flexible, well-trained pelvic floor can make a big difference during labor. Studies suggest that prenatal pelvic floor therapy may help shorten the pushing stage and reduce the risk of severe perineal tears — because well-conditioned, relaxed muscles tolerate the stretch of childbirth more easily.
2. Prevent urinary leakage during pregnancy and postpartum
Urinary leakage isn’t just “part of pregnancy.” People who complete pelvic floor therapy while pregnant are significantly less likely to develop urinary incontinence during pregnancy and in the months after birth.
📚 Study on pelvic floor training and incontinence prevention (PubMed)
3. Improve sexual function and protect long-term pelvic health
Prenatal pelvic floor therapy has been linked to better sexual function and may reduce the risk of pelvic organ prolapse later in life — helping you feel strong and supported for years to come.
📚 Study on PFMT and sexual/pelvic health outcomes (PubMed)
4. Relieve common pregnancy discomforts
Your pelvic floor doesn’t work alone — it’s connected to your hips, back, core, and even ribs. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help relieve:
Constipation
Low back or pelvic pain
Pelvic pressure and heaviness
Postural changes and muscle imbalance
By addressing these issues early, you’ll feel more comfortable as your pregnancy progresses.
5. Build awareness and confidence for labor and postpartum
Understanding your pelvic floor — where it is, how it moves, and how to both contract and relax it — is one of the best ways to prepare for childbirth.
You’ll learn:
How to “let go” of tension during pushing
How to engage your core without strain
How to rebuild strength safely after delivery
And yes, pelvic floor therapy is more than just Kegels — it’s about coordination, breathing, and full-body balance.
Already Postpartum? It’s Never Too Late to Start
If you’re reading this after birth — you haven’t missed your chance!
Bring your milk-stained shirt, sweats, (and your baby if needed) into the clinic and let’s start your healing process. We’ll meet you where you are — and yes, we have coffee.
Ready to Begin?
Don’t wait until symptoms appear. Proactive pelvic floor therapy can make your pregnancy more comfortable, your birth more confident, and your recovery smoother.
Book a prenatal pelvic floor physical therapy evaluation at Core Physical Therapy today.